Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

This Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake recipe is rich and chocolatey, which uses cocoa powder and buttermilk for a moist, tender crumb. It’s a classic crowd-pleasing dessert that’s quick to make and ready in about 40 minutes.

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Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake Recipe Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Glaze

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

How To Make Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

1. Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch or 18×13-inch sheet pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. Prepare chocolate mixture: In a saucepan, melt butter, then stir in water and cocoa powder. Bring to a slight simmer, then remove from heat.
4. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla.
5. Combine everything: Stir warm chocolate mixture into dry ingredients. Add buttermilk mixture and mix until smooth.
6. Bake the cake: Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Make the Chocolate Glaze

7. Prepare glaze: Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in cocoa powder, then add milk and vanilla. Remove from heat.
8. Add powdered sugar: Whisk in powdered sugar until smooth and glossy.
9. Glaze the cake: Pour glaze over warm cake. Sprinkle pecans on top, if using.
10. Cool and serve: Let cake cool at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Recipe Tips

• Why use buttermilk? It adds tanginess and keeps the cake extra moist.
• How to make ahead: Bake cake, glaze it, and store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Can I freeze Texas sheet cake? Yes, freeze without glaze and frost after thawing.
• Best cocoa powder to use: Unsweetened natural cocoa works best for this recipe.
• How to serve a crowd: Double the recipe and bake in two pans for parties or potlucks.

What To Serve With Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake

This classic chocolate cake pairs well with simple toppings:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream and fresh berries
• Hot coffee or cold milk
• Salted caramel drizzle

How To Store Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake

Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.

Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: ~5g
• Carbohydrates: ~58g
• Fat: ~20g
• Sugar: ~45g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without pecans?
Yes, simply omit them for a smooth glaze.

Why is my glaze grainy?
Make sure to sift powdered sugar and whisk thoroughly for a smooth texture.

Can I bake this in a different pan size?
Yes, use a 9×13 pan for thicker slices or an 18×13 pan for a thinner traditional sheet cake.

What’s the difference between Texas sheet cake and regular chocolate cake?

Texas sheet cake is thinner, baked in a large pan, and topped with warm icing that soaks into the cake.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Olive Oil Cake Recipe
• Ina Garten New York Cheesecake Recipe
• Ina Garten Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe